Summary

Provides strategic direction, consultation, and support to the University community in addressing in an integrated way the education needs, prospects, and related concerns of targeted ethnic minority communities within the region. Provides leadership to University departments, as well as government and community agencies and organizations in the development, implementation, and administration of programs designed to improve retention and graduation rates of targeted minority students. Directs a variety of programs and initiatives associated with minority student services. Provides leadership, consultation, and coordination to University constituencies in their various interactions with and services to targeted ethnic minority communities, and represents both the University and the constituency externally at local, state, national, and international levels, as appropriate. Serves in the capacity of special advisor to the President on student and community matters related to the targeted ethnic groups.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Oversees and coordinates the University's efforts to advance and achieve key short- and long-term goals, priorities, and commitments.
2. Works with the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion in contributing to the University?s overall Diversity Plan.
3. Establishes relationships and serves as liaison between the University and communities and agencies with respect to the implementation of community-based research programs, community services, and economic development initiatives.
4. Researches and identifies issues related to low retention rates of targeted underrepresented students at the University; works with the VP for Equity and Inclusion and University faculty, staff, and administration as appropriate in designing and developing solutions.
5. Researches and assists in the development of programs, services, and initiatives to remove or ameliorate group-specific barriers to retention among targeted minority students.
6. Interacts with and provides leadership as appropriate to local, State, and Federal governments, along with national and local organizations and agencies, in the development of solutions to student retention issues at both the college and high school levels.
7. Serves as a primary and comprehensive source of consultation and expertise to the University on strategic and day-to-day matters pertaining to interactions with and provision of services to the targeted minority communities within the region.
8. Maintains, monitors and utilizes a data base to demonstrate effectiveness of programs established within the Ethnic Student Services Centers and their impact on retention and graduation of targeted ethnic student populations.
9. Provides consultation and expertise on best practices for underrepresented student recruitment, retention and graduation.
10. Develops and delivers educational programs and conferences on targeted minority affairs and related issues for the University community; facilitates the development and coordination of relevant community events on a local, regional, or national basis.
11. Designs, establishes, and maintains an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the organization's goals and objectives; oversees recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of unit staff.
12. Develops and manages annual budgets for the organization and performs periodic cost and productivity analyses.
13. Represents the University to various institutional divisions as well as externally to governmental agencies, vendors, students and their parents, and/or the general public.
14. Seeks, identifies, and pursues funding opportunities to support institutional initiatives with respect to student minority affairs; writes and prepares grant proposals as appropriate.
15. Prepares and disseminates periodic reports on the University's progress of the constituent community; tracks and identifies reasons for trends that are counter to University objectives in this area.
16. Provides coordination, consultation, and expertise to University leadership in regards to enhancing the effectiveness of the various institutional interactions with and programmatic services to constituent communities within the region.
17. Serves as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.
18. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Ability to develop and produce grants and other proposals.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the cultural, social, economic, and environmental issues confronting minority students at the college level.
• Advanced analytical, evaluative, and objective critical thinking skills and the ability to effectively summarize and present information.
• Thorough knowledge and appreciation of the unique social, cultural, and political challenges involved in successful interaction with targeted ethnic communities.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of targeted ethnic group affairs at the Federal, State, and local level.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.
• Knowledge of current and developing issues and trends associated with college student recruitment and retention.
• Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.
• Project management and leadership skills.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.

Conditions of Employment

• Employees in this job title are subject to the terms and conditions of an employment contract. Employment contracts are typically subject to review and renewal on an annual basis.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• No or very limited physical effort required.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 09/23/2020